Back to regular view     Print this page

Subscribe   •   EasyPay   •   e-paper
Reader Rewards   •   Customer Service

Weather: FIZZLE
Become a member of our community!

The Fixer Fixes
The Tip Jar
Consumer Tips
Resources
Fixer's favorite sites
The Fixer
Blogs
Media Partners
News
Columnists
 


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

The Fixer
Print Article Email Article Share / Bookmark
suntimes.com/monster

Build your job network

suntimes.com

Search Classifieds

View Subcategories

Start Building

I want to start
creating my ad right away.

Start Building

Register

I'd like to set up my account first, then create an ad.

Register

Login

I've already registered, and I'm ready to place an ad.

Login







TOP STORIES ::
Indicted Chicago developer made big profit on city deal

How seniors can use reverse mortgage

Tribune sale of Cubs to Ricketts 'very, very close'

Jennifer Hudson to sing at Jackson memorial service

Men, women share U. of C. rooms







Joining a health club

November 1, 2007

The Fixer's mailbag contains more than a few complaints from readers who joined a gym with the best intentions of getting in shape, paid their membership in advance - then showed up one day to find the lights off and a lock on the door.

Other readers have said they didn't like what they joined and wanted out of their contract -- or found that the terms of the contract didn't reflect what the salesman promised.

What's a consumer to do?

Obviously, read the fine print before you sign anything, says Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the local BBB. Also, keep a close eye on your bank statement to make sure the charges are correct.

If you don't want to re-up after your contract is expired, follow the club's instructions EXACTLY when you cancel.

Lots of people have told The Fixer that they thought they had canceled and were surprised when fees continued to be debited from their bank accounts. It's always a good idea to check with family and friends and check the complaint record of any gym you're thinking of joining.

A few more tips on choosing a fitness club, courtesy of the BBB:

-- What are your fitness goals? Having this is in mind will help you pick the best facility for you. Check out several clubs on the days and times you plan to exercise to see if they're clean, staffed and uncrowded.

-- Can you afford the membership fee and the monthly club fees, as well as possible finance charges? -- Walk away if a salesperson pressures you to sign a contract immediately. Take a sample contract home and read it thoroughly before deciding.

-- Make sure you understand the length of the membership term and whether there's an automatic renewal clause. What are your cancellation rights if you move to another area, are injured or if the club closes or is taken over by new management? Of course, you always have another option. Be thrifty like The Fixer and use the park district.